HCPS FL Logo Instructional Support
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, August 27, 2013
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve Cooperative Agreement for Use-of-Facilities for the Alternative to Out-of-School Suspension (ATOSS) Program 2013/2014 at Freddie Solomon Community Center at Nuccio Park (Instructional Support Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On July 27, 1999, the School Board approved the establishment of an Alternative to Out-of-School Suspension (ATOSS) Program.  Since then, the program has provided safe, off-campus learning environments for students who have earned an out-of-school suspension as a consequence for inappropriate behavior.  Middle and high school students who would otherwise have served a one to ten-day suspension are referred to the ATOSS Program at the discretion of school administrators.

Transportation to all ATOSS sites is provided by parents.  During the 2012/2013 school year, an estimated 10,797 (unduplicated count) students participated in the ATOSS Program. While attending ATOSS, students receive instruction in the strategies necessary for success on the Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT).  The school day is also designed to include character education and career exploration components that provide students with the tools needed to consistently make positive, appropriate choices.  Space for the program is provided at no cost to the district through collaboration with a variety of community agencies.

Executive Summary continues on attachment.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
All Strategic Objectives
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Facilities are provided by these community agencies at no cost to the district.  The cost of the middle and high school ATOSS Programs for deputies, instructional, and non-instructional staff salaries supported through the unit allocation process is approximately $1,539,810.42.  This item is included in the Part 1 Budget 2013/2014.
EVALUATION

A comprehensive evaluation of all aspects of the ATOSS Program will be conducted by June 30, 2014.  District staff will review data, including but not limited to, notes and walk-through checklists from site visits, results of student exits, school administrators and parent surveys, and student participation rates.

SUBMITTED BY:  Walt Shaffner, Director, Non-Traditional Programs
George E. Gaffney   Gretchen Saunders
Assistant Superintendent, Instructional Support Division
813-273-7033
  Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    A 6.03
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20130827_594 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 6.03